If you ask me what you shouldn’t miss in Thailand, I would say Krabi. But where do you stay in Krabi? The choice is obvious for Ao Nang is the most popular destinations in Krabi, a small beach town that’s home to some finest resorts, budget hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars. In addition to its beauty, the widest range of accommodation makes most tourists pick this location. Ao Nang is also an ideal place to stay so as to explore the rest of Krabi; be it the nearby beaches, islands, markets, the town or even the airport. You can reach most of the beaches by scooter or taxi and in some cases, only via a boat.
Ao Nang, Krabi
I know a lot of people who wouldn’t consider Thailand as a holiday option. Furthermore, if they do, it means only heading to Bangkok and Pattaya. We are talking about our relatives and close friends who assured us that Thailand visit shouldn’t be more than three days. Well, well. We went a step ahead and planned a 14-day trip, all by ourselves, without the help of any travel agencies but with the guidance and inputs from friends who’d visited the place. And if I’ve decided to write a minimum of 26 posts this April only about Thailand, you can be rest assured that it is a beautiful place to see.
How to reach Ao Nang:
By Road:
If you are staying in Bangkok or Pattaya, take an overnight luxury bus and it should take about 12 hours to reach the Krabi town. You can then opt for a taxi or a mini-van to reach Ao Nang, which is about 15 kilometers from the town. Husband and I were staying in Phuket and wanted to head to Krabi. We were told to take a taxi from Phuket that would drop us in about four hours.
By Sea:
We realized, however, there was a faster option; to take a ferry! For about 600-650 Baht/pax one can reach Ao Nang in two hours from Phuket or Phi Phi Islands. We decided that time was more important than money and found a ferry that took off at 8.30 am from Phuket and Ta-Da! We were at the Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang by 10.30 am. You can choose to sit on the deck watching the beautiful sceneries unravel in front of you (Oh, don’t forget to apply loads of sunscreen), or sit inside in the upper or lower deck. Our journey was spectacular with glimpses of islands and we lounged in the morning sun on the upper deck.
Nopparat Thara Pier is Ao Nang’s prime arrival point by boat. It acts as the hub for ferries traveling to and from the great surrounding islands and peninsulas. Taking a ferry was a convenient option as the booking included a pick up from the hotel in Phuket/Phi Phi Islands to a drop to our hotel in Ao Nang.
On the deck in a ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang
By Air:
The nearest airport to Ao Nang is the Krabi International Airport. Quite a number of flights operate from Bangkok and Chang Mai and also from international destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. You can reach the airport in a taxi or tuk-tuk (our good old auto-rickshaws) for 600 Baht/pax. Airport buses are also available which will cost you 150 Baht/pax.
On our journey to our hotel in Ao Nang, we noticed something! No accommodation is situated along the beach, i.e. directly on the sand with the exception of Krabi Resort. But they are all ideally located, in around 500 meters to 1-kilometer vicinity making the beach accessible for one and all.
Why Ao Nang in Krabi?
Ao Nang Beach is the main beach of the resort town of Ao Nang. It is about one kilometer long and is favored among the tourists especially at sunset.
PC : Maj. Manna
I wouldn’t say it is one of the spectacular beaches in Krabi. There aren’t too many shady spots and many longtail boats leave from here to the nearby beaches. There are distinct areas where you can swim without worrying about the boats, but it isn’t nice anyway.
But for 100 Baht/pax, you can get a ticket to the nearby popular beaches such as Tonsai beach, Railey beach or Phang Nang Beach from Ao Nang. The scenery with all those limestone cliffs makes the beach experience unique for many travelers. This ticket is valid for a day but the last boat leaves at 6 pm.
Long-tail boats lined up on Phang Nang Beach
Long-tail boats are the traditional wooden boats which are native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. If you are here, do not miss a long-tail boat journey for they are particularly popular and it really gives you the Thailand-feel.
One can also opt for Island tours from Ao Nang, where they take you to 3/4/5/7 islands depending on your package. You can do snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, rock climbing and other adventure activities.
It started drizzling on our evening in Ao Nang and so, instead of going for a sunset cruise(which you can do!), we chose to stay back in our hotel room. We sat on the swing with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoyed this spectacular view of Krabi sunset.
The spectacular Krabi Sunset
Ao Nang at Night
The fairly quiet and relaxed Ao Nang comes to life at night, especially the Beach Road which is lined up with many shops, bars, and restaurants.
Sword Fish Sculpture in Ao Nang Beach, Krabi
Pick up a Chang or Singha beer (the most popular beers in Thailand) and go about exploring the night markets of Ao Nang in the evening. You can spot few live bands performing inside the restaurants. Want to collect souvenirs to take back home? You cannot find a better place.
Night Market in Ao Nang. Krabi
There are a number of restaurants along the beach road. You can relish Thai, Indian or Continental food. But, no. Never miss Thai food.
Thai Shrimp Fried Rice
Ao Nang is less crowded and is an excellent getaway for the couples on honeymoon. Ao Nang takes pride in being the friendliest in the region. They are helpful and are ready to answer your queries, oh with a smile!
No wonder Thailand is rightly called ‘the Land of Smiles’!
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Stay tuned as I will be talking in detail about some of the exotic islands and shopping, and other attractions the place has to offer.
I am writing all about Thailand this April for the A to Z Challenge 2017. Thanks for all the love you’ve showered on this space! You can also check out my food blog for A to Z Indian Dishes to Die For.
Lovely photos. Thailand has never been on my ‘must-go’ list but you’re making me want to go!
Sanch at Sanch Writes recently posted…#Acrostic – Creativity #atozchallenge
You mist, I tell you. And I hope I will be able to convince you by the end of this challenge 🙂
The way you have detailed about krabi, it makes me want to go to this place right away. Thanks for the information. The pictures are breath taking too
Thank you, Medha. 🙂
Between your food blog and travel blog you’ll drive me crazy with envy this april shalini !
A totally smashing day 1 post and I surprised people were asking you to keep your visit short ! They had no idea that your 14 days would expand and fill 26 days of our lives..
happy blogging 🙂
Chandni recently posted…[A] Ambition isn’t a dirty word #AtoZChallenge Day 1
Thank you, Chandni. I am so glad that you like the posts 🙂
I don’t believe i have heard of this place referred to ao highly! Love the chocolate & sunset moment… This is what LIFE is about! Fab. Pics!
Thank you, Ishieta. I’m so glad that you like them. 🙂
Those beautiful pics and your description makes me want to go there!!
Swathi Shenoy recently posted…Arts of Different Form
Thank you, Swathi 🙂 I hope you do!
This place looks quite beautiful. And this is just the letter A! I seriously think I’m gonna be an expert amongst my friends by the time this month ends. 🙂
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Alex Ruiz is a Shining Example of Humanity #AtoZChallenge
Haha! You will be 🙂 🙂 Thank you, Roshan
Honestly all the people who warned me against visiting Thailand were so wrong! Been there half a dozen times and I would go again in a heartbeat!
Glad you planned a 14 day trip, that is how it should be. As always, your pics are stunning! And I love the detailed write up. A big help to anyone planning a trip to Thailand!
Thanks very much, Mayuri. 🙂
Looks really lovely! I am now craving Thai food, in the middle of the night. I usually order it spicy – a “4.5” on a scale of 1-5, here. The “.5” is my way of saying, “I’m not really from Thailand, please don’t QUITE kill me with the peppers!”
Holly Jahangiri recently posted…You Need Kibbles for Your Pet Peeves?
Haha! I would do the same, Holly 🙂
Wooohooo this sounds such an amazing trip.
I loved the clicks thy are so beautiful and drooling me to go to the place ?
You rally had a great journey
Looking for next posts by you.
Bibliophagist Social Media Influencer Beauty and lifestyle Blogger
Thank you, Dixita. So glad you like them. 🙂
wawwww, What a place….. I am sure you must had a great time … 🙂 now I am dying to make this trip
You should, Aditya. I hope you do make up your mind by the end of this challenge 🙂
Wow wow wow! The pictures and post are wonderful and I really want to visit Thailand now! May be by the end of the challenge I’ll end up planning a trip to Thailand 😛
Reema D’souza recently posted…#AtoZChallenge : Anything but Ordinary
Thank you, Reema. I hope you visit the place soon 🙂
I’m so looking forward to this series! Thailand is beautiful and I’d love to hear about all the overlooked places. These are some gorgeous photographs, Shalini!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…Abstract art: the what and how with a timelapse video
Thanks much, Jini. You are always so encouraging.
Magnificent! The photos are stunning and I want to go there already! You’re going to make me so restless this month, Shalini! The sculpture is intimidating! I love the water with the almost heart shaped mountains! Hehehe! Love to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Aunts Aren’t Gentlemen #AtoZChallenge
Heart-shaped. Why didn’t I see that 😛
Thank you, Mam.
Lovely pics and enjoyed your information. I have been to Bangkok twice but never ventured out further.
Suzy recently posted…All Roads Lead to …. #atozchallenge letter A
Thank you, Suzy. I hope you visit the islands the next time 🙂
Aha! That’s a comprehensive travelogue for Ao Nang. Lovely pictures and yes, I am not going to miss the Thai food when we visit this beautiful place.
A great start to the challenge, Shalini 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Arson #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
Thanks much, Shilpa. 🙂
Hey I loved this detailed post but miss your exuberant style. This is too much like a travel brochure…..anyways, glad to know you had fun and will follow your trip for the next 25 posts.
Bellybytes recently posted…Silk without violence – Ahimsa Silk & Ajrakh Block Prints I #AtoZChallenge 2017
Thannk you. Yup, wanted to give more details this time in case someone wants to plan a trip 🙂
Now that goes on my must-visit list. Beautiful photos. You should be definitely given credit by Thailand tourism department. 😀
Wow. Thank you. Means a lot 🙂
We stayed at Ao Nang too and loved the place! I hate it when people mock anyone going to Thailand. For most people Thailand is only about Bangkok and Pattaya and lady boys and sex toys! It is so damn sad that they fail to see the beauty in all of it.
We visited a lot of places in Thailand, but Krabi will always be my favorite. We just walked through the beach side with a beer in our hands. I loved Singha while Chang was the hubby’s choice.
Did you visit Poda Island there? It was my most favorite place 🙂
Gorgeous photos and such a beautifully detailed post. Plan my next travel, will you? 🙂
Soumya recently posted…A: Agatha Christie #AToZChallenge
Exactly and I would do anything to go back to Krabi. No, Soumya. We didn;t visit Poda. We had gone for 2 island trips in Phuket that we decided to relax in Krabi by visiting few places in around Krabi itself. Thank you so much. Glad that you like them. And yes, for sure. I’m so ready to plan your next travel 🙂
Ah! The journey begins! Great pictures and lovely description. The name itself is so exotic.
Thanks, Shubhangi 🙂
Beautiful post and such short detailed one. Will help many of us plan a trip to Thailand! 🙂
Aditi Kaushiva recently posted…Anjana #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
* ‘well’not short ?
Thank you, Aditi. I really hope that my post helps 🙂
So..
I am planning an itinerary just based on your A-z challenge.. & 14 days.. wow !!
That was really awesome.. I too never knew you had this much to do & visit in Thailand !!
Loved your pics & looking forward to the other letters too 🙂
Awkward Earthling recently posted…“Un”-themed !! – #ATOZChallenge 2017
You’ll definitely get to know, Sam. Just stay with me till the end of the challenge. You’ll be able to plan a great itinerary 🙂
Ohh the water.. and the sky… and the food !!! what a stunning post you have published!! Indeed it’s good that you took a ferry and saved so much time. Looking forward to all your posts 😀 😀
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Travel Tales: Assam #atozchallenge
Thank you so much, Raj. So glad that you like it 🙂
Next time I visit Thailand I have to visit Krabi. We spent loads of time chilling in Phuket and innumerable days in Bangkok doing two things religiously – eating and shopping! Great start to A to Z.
Tina Basu recently posted…Amazing Life – Step 1 to a Meaningful Life A to Z Challenge 2017
Oh, I understand how shopping in Bangkok would’ve been. 🙂
I’ve been to Thailand for a week and we chose to stay in Bangkok and Phuket and Phuket is beyond beautiful! Though we didn’t visit Krabi but next time I’m sure not going to miss it!
Cheers
Geets recently posted…A- Arranged Marriage
You should, Geets. It’s a beautiful place 🙂
I loved the detailing, the pictures and everything about this post. Well written. 🙂
And All the Best for the month 🙂 Let’s have fun!
Thank you so much, Sheethal. I’m so glad that you like it 🙂
Wow! Lovely pics and a great detailed post. I am following your blogs so that I can plan a leisure trip to Thailand after this challenge is over 🙂
NehaTambe
Neha recently posted…Ashamed – When your greatest desire becomes your biggest burden
Thank you, Neha. That means a lot 🙂
Beautifully penned Krabi with worthy information about the place.
Thank you 🙂
What beautiful photos and so interesting to read about your travels to this place in Thailand. Never been to that part of the world but you certainly make it sound appealing in every way. I look forward to reading more of your posts, Shalini. Good luck with the challenge!
Thank you very much, Cat 🙂
I am so happy to found your blog. Going to Krabi and Bangkok next month and your posts are just perfect for me Shalini:)
Stunning pics 🙂
Radhika recently posted…Alphabet A – Apprehension
Wow! Tha’s perfect. I hope my posts will be of help to you 🙂
Shalini !! u r so lucky travelled such a beautiful place 🙂 loved this
Thank you, Ruchi 🙂
I was clapping with glee as the page loaded – I’ve been looking forward to this. This is such an informative post! Thanks so much. Now I know whom to get in touch with when I plan my trip 😀
Sreesha recently posted…Arriving Somewhere, But Not Here
Yippeyay! I’m so glad that you liked the post, Sreesha. And yes please. I will be happy to plan a trip for you 🙂
Beautiful beautiful pictures. As much as Thailand beckons it’s one of the places on our list of places not to visit. We put Thailand on our list for their cruelty to animals and other human rights violations. A few years we cancelled on Hong Kong despite having everything booked because of similar reasons. a
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…I Am A Leo Watch Me Roar #FridayReflections
I understand, Corinne. I will be covering that in my upcoming posts 🙂
Stunning photos. What a pleasure it was to visit your blog.
Kalpanaa recently posted…Anger #AtoZchallenge
Thanks much, Kalpana 🙂
Wow! This is a dream destination indeed. A real treat to the eyes. Great start Shalini.
Preethi Venugopala recently posted…How to Plot your Novel using the ABDCE Formula
Thank you, Preethi 🙂
A detailed post Shalini… Thanks for sharing the highlights of your journey. It gives the personal touch.
Thank you, Upasna 🙂
O wow…Such a detailed post Shall and lovely pics.I am noting down imp tips and bookmarking the blog post as we have plans to visit Thailand soon 😉
Meenakshi recently posted…Braving the waters of River Ganga
You do? That’s amazing! I hope my posts will be of help to you 🙂
Wow. What photography Shalzz- brilliantly pur together info and your experience. You are off to a flying start girl. Cheers
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Shalini recently posted…[A] April Fools | #atozchallenge 2017 |
Thank you, Shalini. Glad you like it 🙂
I am taking notes and planning my Thailand trip. 26 days down he line I will know what to do in Thailand all thanks to such wonderful posts by you Shalini. Looking forward to the rest
Jaibala Rao recently posted…Movies That Shaped Our Generation – The Action Movies
Thank you very much, Jai 🙂
I felt I was travelling with you while reading your post. I loved the way you have explained everything in detail with great pictures.
Deepa recently posted…Affection – How much love is too much love? #AtoZchallenge
Thanks very much, Deepa 🙂
OH! I didn’t visit Krabi on my visit to Thailand! Looks like now i’m tempted to go there again! 😛
Nibha Gupta recently posted…(A)bout Time #AtoZChallenge
Oh, wow. I so want to go! I would probably be happiest on the less popular, less crowded beach. ~grin~ Happy blogging!
Wow! loved those pictures and will follow you all along to know about the place.
Parul Thakur recently posted…#WomenAtWork – A home-baker
Beautiful Place. Love the way you express your experience. Have a great day 🙂
Wow, it looks beautiful!!!
Tarkabarka recently posted…Scattered stories (Following folktales around the world 19. – Uruguay)
Shalini this is such a delightful post!
Although I have never been to Thailand, I can add this to my list already! The pictures are beautiful and you have given a good lot of info for anybody who might be interested. Your theme for a to z challenge is going to make me cry for a trip I believe 😀
All the best for the atozchallenge!
Anmol Rawat recently posted…Bloody Mary
Thank you, Anmol :)I really hope you make that trip!
Such beautiful photos! Good choice taking the boat to get there faster. Who wants to waste time on their holidays, getting from one place to another? Looking forward to your next travelogue!
Debbie D. recently posted…BORN TO BE WILD | #AtoZCHALLENGE (B) #MusicalMemories
Thanks, Debbie 🙂
I will never miss this place if i am planning a vacction to Krabi after reading this..Thanks
The pics are indeed awesome.. Wish to visit this place… and the food looks yumm too… the sea always tempts the soul…
Pratikshya Mishra recently posted…I Love My Love By Reyna Biddy
What lovely clicks! Would love to visit someday.